University of Western Ontario astronomer finds largest molecules known in space

The Canadian Press

PASADENA, Calif. - A team led by an astronomer from the University of Western Ontario has discovered the largest known molecules to exist in space.

Using NASA'a Spitzer telescope, Western's Jan Cami led a team of astronomers in the discovery of soccer-ball shaped molecules called "buckyballs."

Cami published the findings journal Science on Thursday.

Buckyballs are made of 60 carbon atoms arranged in three-dimensional, spherical structures. They have an alternating pattern of hexagons and pentagons, which looks similar to a typical black-and-white soccer ball.

They are named for their resemblance to the geodesic domes of famed American architect Buckminster Fuller.

Buckyballs were first observed 25 years ago, in a laboratory mimicking conditions in space.

In 1996 Sir Harry Kroto, Bob Curl and Rick Smalley shared a Nobel Prize in chemistry for the buckyball discovery.

But until now they had never been actually been witnessed in space.

Cami's team stumbled upon the discovery in the remains of a star.

Researchers believe the molecules' unique strengths and incredible chemical and physical properties could be applied to things like armour, drug delivery and superconducting technologies.